Tokyo, Dec. 9.
Conversations held here yesterday by Mr. Hathiro Arita with Sir Robert Craigie, and Mr. Joseph C. Grew, "when he declared that "the creation of a new order is East Asia is a national aspiration of Japan," marks a turning point in Japan's foreign policy, the "Asahi Shimbun" said today.
The declaration, the leading journal here said, ranked in importance with ihe Japanese reply to the American protest regarding alleged infringements by Japan upon the interests of United States citizens in China handed ty Mr. Grew here on November 18.
Japan regards the establishment of a new state of affairs in East Asia as essential to secure her national defence and also to safeguard her national existence, Mr. Arita was reported by the Foreign Office spokesman to have informed the envoys.
Little discussion took place at yesterday's meetings, which were held separately, the spokesman said.
The envoys, the spokesman continued, would probably have "a chance for discussion" later.
According to the "Asahi," Mr. Arita gave the envoys an amplified explanation of Japan's fundamental policy towards the new situation in East Asia, which had already been referred to by the Foreign Minister in previous. conversations with the American, British, and French Ambassaders concerning the question of Yangtze navigation and in Japan's reply io -America in November. Domei.
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